Dr. James Dobson: Lying His Way Into Oblivion
James Dobson, grand poobah of Focus On The Family, is kicking and screaming like a big baby, throwing a very public hissy fit about John McCain's possible presidential nomination. He's using every ounce of influence he has, while denying that he seeks influence, to derail McCain's nomination. It's more fun than watching Bill O'Reilly deny that he said something we have videotape of him actually saying.
In part, he said:
"I am deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a Constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human beings, opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, has little regard for freedom of speech, organized the Gang of 14 to preserve filibusters in judicial hearings, and has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language."
In other words, McCain seems to think for himself and is not a conservative that has dutifully kissed the squeaky clean fannies of religious right leaders, specifically Dobson's. And suddenly Dobson has a problem with foul language, a problem he didn't have when Bush called a reporter a "major league asshole" or when Cheney told Patrick Leahy to "go fuck yourself" on the Senate floor.
On a radio show Dobson said of the possibility of electing McCain, Clinton or Obama, "I simply can't in good conscience be a party to putting any of them in power, because I believe they'll do irreparable harm to our country." Where has Dobson been for the last 7 years? Oh, yeah -- ignoring the irreparable harm Bush has done to the country. When the president gives you that kind of power, you can ignore a lot.
Power that Dobson wants to hold on to but lies about it, saying, "I just want to say for myself that I am not looking for a place at the table. I do not covet photo ops or the company of powerful people." Hope you just didn't spit out your coffee.
In just one example, in May of 2007 Dobson was invited to the White House with a bunch of other Christian righties to rally support for Bush's Iran policy. Dobson told all about the meeting on his radio show. Another time Dobson trumpeted his insider status with Bush, mentioning "confidential" information that he had been "privy to" in explaining "why I believe George Bush has made an outstanding selection" in his nomination of personal lawyer Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court. Confidential information he had privy to? Oh, sure, no desire for a place at the table there.
If I was to have dinner with Brad and Angelina, and I went on the radio and told the world about it, I would be blabbing it for one reason: so you would think I was cool and had power and influence and a place at the table, specifically Brangelina's table. Smell me, world.
Dr. Dobson needs to be reminded that if you tell a lie you are breaking a Commandment. So, unless he gets on his knees, repents and begs forgiveness, he's going to hell.
Dobson has a long history of threatening those who don't conform to his views. He told The Denver Post: "If the Republicans do what they've done in the past, which is to say, 'Thanks so much for putting us in power, now we don't want to talk to you anymore,' they will pay a severe price in four years and maybe two." He also threatened other congressmen that they would be in the "bulls eye" when up for re-election.
Another huge lie was when he said, "I am speaking for myself." Oh yeah? Then why his statement is blasted all over the Focus On The Family website and its accompanying activist action site, CitizenLink.com? And why did he go on the radio identified as Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus On The Family? Why wasn't he identified as Jimbo Dobson, private citizen?
No one who is the head of one of the country's most influential political organizations, which Focus is no matter how much they deny it and weasel out of paying their taxes, is ever just "speaking for himself" when he makes a political statement, unless he says something as innocuous as "I like broccoli."
Dobson seeks power and influence and then denies he seeks power and influence. He hides a Christian fascist agenda behind an aw shucks, folksy child psychologist personality who only wants to do good. Dobson is not about to lose his hard won influence without a fight.
Suddenly the religious right is realizing that the majority of Americans care about other issues than they do, and they don't like it one bit. And now, at long last, comes a likely Republican nominee who doesn't kneel at Dobson's altar, and Dobson wants the world to know he's not having any of it and that he's staying home and not voting and, if you're even the slightest Christian, so should you.
That deafening sound you hear is the sound of absolutely no one giving a squeaky clean rat's fanny.
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Case in point.... derr.
Opium of the masses....
The people who follow people like Dobson and all the other "religious" charlatans(look at who is on tv asking for money and selling Jesus)follow them so they don't have to think for themselves.
Look at what Ted Haggard did to his congregati
They will listen to these leaders and vote for whom they are told. The Republicans don't give a damn about these issues, they had a perfect opportunity these last 6 years to change any law they wanted to.
They used the Evangelical vote to get into power for the Cheny/neocon agenda.
Too bad the Evangelicals don't wake up.
But then again, they are making large pots of money that is protected by Repubs!!!!!!
Tax their churches like everyone else pays taxes. Then, and only then, will we see who the REAL Christians are.
Follow THEIR money!
I'm in the Freudian camp on this...I think religion is a mass delusion. I think that religious belief is prima facie evidence of an inability to think for oneself.
It is incredibly dangerous to place delusional people in positions of power...if you don't believe me just look at Bush, the deluder-in-chief.
As I have grown older I have become very afraid of followers. It is followers that give these delusional leaders their power.
I also really find it a bit surreal to see these politicians on campaign. Who in their right mind would give up there time to go to a rally to hear and cheer a lying dog politician trying to get elected? (or to go to church to listen to a lying preacher, for that matter). Stay at home, switch off the TV, get the facts by reading a spread of opinion, and make your mind up based on this, then vote.
While I truly despise these religious and political leaders, none of whom have any integrity (yes none), the people that follow them like sheep are the problem. What staggers me still is that 30% of people think Bush is doing a good job...just who are these people? Are 30% of Americans living on another planet, or are they simply mentally defective.
None? Exactly who does that include/disclude? Not being cynical or even critical here. Just looking for clarification in your statement. Are you simply referring to all political leaders and high profile, politcally bent Christian leaders, or are we talking about all Christian leaders period? OR are we talking about all Christians? Believe me, I'm just as disgusted at the likes of many of these so-called Christian leaders (but am encouraged these days that their hypocrisy is way too obvious for even the most mentally challenged Christians among us to ignore); but I would find your statements ironic if any one of the above found an uncategorical yes. Ironic in that it would actually take a great deal more faith (or ignorance) to really believe it.
As a disclaimer, I have to say that being the target of such seething criticism and ire serves us Christians right. It serves us right because we've allowed the likes of Bush to co-opt our Word and use it as a weapon, Dobson to subvert our sense of filial obligation and manipulate it for an anti-filia
Dear cnathan,
I meant 'none', zero, nada, niente. I am unable to think of a single political figure today of any importance that is untainted by self-interest, corruption and hypocrisy. (Going back in history, perhaps Mathatma Ghandi, and Jesus, but that's about it). I don't see any of the so-called christian leaders acting in any way like christians ie followers of jesus' teachings. Jesus' teachings are to be found in the new testament. I happen to think that they are an excellent moral philosophy. The problem is that the actions of the the so-called followers don't seem to reflect what his teachings are, and our repellent politicians are forced to then reach back to the old testament, to support their vengeful, divisive policies. Bush was elected by telling the idiots that voted for him "I think what would jesus do?" Bush authorized the execution of a mentally retarded man...exac
You sound like a decent person, reasonable, and it must be hurtful for someone such as me to condemn all christians. I am sorry that I hurt your feelings. But it doesn't change my opinion. Christians are a bad bunch and they have a long long history of bad actions done in the name of God and Jesus.
Having read a number of the other comments, I'm compelled to make a ready defense for some of us Christians who are still truth-seekers.
As a Christian inspired by the work of C.S. Lewis, Ravi Zacharias, William Wilberforce and N.T. Wright, let me appeal to your objective judgment, there are Christians that stand for things even the most anti-Christians (at least those, including Bible-thumpers like me, that are disgusted by what 21st Century American Christianity seems to have become) would agree are truly good, altruistic ends.
That said, let me say, perhaps summarize that the Bible is ultimately a story (whether you think it's fictional or non) of a Creator God who's seen his Creation infected by an antagonistic intrusion called sin. The rest of the story is how this Creator goes about rescuing his creation. Specifically, he starts by electing a certain people, the Israelites, through whom he'll do this work. Utlimately, this Jesus guy comes along as someone reminiscent of the OT prophets. This revolutionary character subverts and redefines many of the beliefs and symbols of God's chosen people from within Israel itself. Historically, this same Jesus is widely acknowledged as a Jewish leader, perhaps seen as what we would think of as a rabbi, who at the same time affirms and subverts the vocation of Israel by redefining their part in this story as those through whom God redeems the rest of the world.
Maybe this sounds like theological mumbo jumbo. But all to say that Christians should be caught up in this same vocation by following in the footsteps of Jesus. And what was his praxis? It included symbolically welcoming back certain Israelites exiled by their leadership by healing the sick, sharing meals with the poor and outcasts, forgiving sinners and telling well-known stories in a way that helped those willing to hear the errors of their ways (something I wish the likes of Dobson, Bush, Robertson et al were able to truly hear).
Is this making sense to anyone? Those with ears to hear...
James Dobson may be kicking and screaming but I fully suspect that he will have a road to Damascus moment when Jesus will appear to him and tell him that he must support John McCain. In that prayerful moment, Dobson will realize that his only path to power and relevancy is to bow to the new Republican potentate and utter his name in hallowed devotion will say, "Oh Blessed McCain, God has chosen you to lead his blessed Republican Party. I duly submit to the Lord's will and will willingly support you with all of my strength if thou should allow me a seat at thy political table from whence I can keep my power and prestiege.
This is such good news. What if the Dobsonites just don't vote? We should be celebrating.
Is anybody listening to this braying jackass?
The Religous Right, huh? That start wars that kill and displace millions of people, but there concerned about Abortion and Gay Marriage. Drop cluster bombs on innocent children playing outside, walking to school, or going to the store. I wonder which is killing more, Abortion or the bombs coming out of the sky.
Thats why the founding Fathers seperated Church and State, the two don't mix, and they understood that over 200 years ago. Please let Dobson and his followers stay home, sounds like the Child Christain Psycologist is having one of his temper tantrums.
Now there's no way I can pass this up. Just as things had gotten too far to the "Left" we are now seeing a backlash to the extremes of the "Right." What Mr.Dobson wants is for all good citizens to convert to his brand of religion so he and his cronies can become even more wealthy selling 'Jesus.' When I hear someone tout conservatism I wonder what it is they want to conserve. Average Republicians are not members of that party because they are dedicated to some high moralistic principle. More to the point they are just people who are going about their lives who grew up in a Republican household or were "born again" and therefore were told that the way to salvation is through the 'conservative viewpoint.
It seems that Focus on the Family has no care for families at all. About six months ago I began hearing about ICE arrests and deportations of 'illegals', separating children from parents, who were incarcerated, even a mother, separated from her breast-feeding infant who was put into foster care. I called Focus on the Family and 'reported' these incidents, assuming they would be just the organization to intervene in these horrors. I talked to several women at Focus on the Families' call center. None of them understood the problem. At all. They seemed bewildered. As a whole they seemed demented.
I don't understand how an organization which 'focuses on the family' can avoid 'certain' families while focusing instead on -- er -- what? What, again?
Yes.
It seems that Focus on the Family has no care for families at all. About six months ago I began hearing about ICE arrests and deportations of 'illegals', separating children from parents, who were incarcerated, even a mother, separated from her breast-feeding infant who was put into foster care. I called Focus on the Family and 'reported' these incidents, assuming they would be just the organization to intervene in these horrors. I talked to several women at Focus on the Families' call center. None of them understood the problem. At all. They seemed bewildered. As a whole they seemed demented.
I don't understand how an organization which 'focuses on the family' can avoid 'certain' families while focusing instead on -- what? What, again?
The right wing has taken up the Bolshevik cause - blind obedience to doctrine and death to all that disagree.
What with Rush and O'Reilley competing nightly for the title of America's Greatest Asshole, and the rather crushing result of tuesday as regards the commie(Republican) vote the lunatic right have become obsolete as people grasp the damage the conservatives have wrought upon America and the world.
Flip Romney guessed wrong - becoming a fascist is becoming passe' in this country. McCain does not stand a chance unless the Dems really screw up(which they are want to do).
Just wondering who he thinks all those Focus on the Family votes are going to go to if not the Republican candidate?
Say McCain is running against either Obama or Clinton, is Dobson going to tell everyone to throw their votes to the Dems because he doesnt like McCain?
Not F'N likely.
Dobson and his ilk are the Harlots of the Bible[kjv] and their false doctrines[
Leon you are so right. There ARE other concerns than "marriage" and "abortion" that Christians are concerned about, and some of those issues are above poverty and war. Some of us are no longer part of the middle class--there are new-poor Christians too. We care about other things, as does the much sneered at candidate Mike Huckabee.
I know Mike probably can't win, even though he DOES care about the poor, about globalism, about losing our jobs and our money overseas. Those who would like to save the poor and the money should vote for Mike even if they don't like his stand on "marriage" and "abortion.
Would the Founding Fathers put Sex issues ahead of everything else, even national survival?
i'm for Mike but I'd vote for Lou Dobbs to save the country, even though he is said to be pro-choice. I don't have to agree with my candidate on every issue, just on poverty and the survival of America.
Anyone else want to put America first, above sex?
Your concern is duly noted, but your misplaced faith in Dobbs is also noted. Dobbs is in it to protect the Corporate powers. For example, his recent ranting and raving has come about in the last year or so. Why? Well, as the 2006 election and the countless polls ever since have pointed out, this country is leaning heavily democrat after the disaster of the criminal enterprise of Bush/Chene
Easy for you to say, Mariel, when you obviously are one for whom equal marriage rights aren't important. Those of us who are fighting for equal marriage rights..it IS a big issue for us. It is our lives and our relationships that are being invalidated. And as for abortion, when you find yourself in the shoes of a poor woman who just cannot afford another child, you will be able to judge that it's "only" a small issue.
As of yet, I haven't heard Christians scream for much other than ending abortion, eliminating availability of birth control, and quarantining the gays. They apparently do not care about the poor or the economy. They just want to change the constitution and run our lives the way they think is right.
It is just an act. McCain will use Dobson's Blackwater friends for the 100 year war and they will all be pals.
"In other words, McCain seems to think for himself and is not a conservative that has dutifully kissed the squeaky clean fannies of religious right leaders, specifically Dobson's."
BWAHAHAHA!
Don't fall for the media spin. McCain is a dyed-in-the-wool conservative who has kissed every religious right leader's ass to keep himself in power. His voting record has him going with the Republicans 88% of the time when the average is only 80%. There hasn't been an anti-choice bill he hasn't liked, he signed onto DOMA, he's for the disastrous tax cuts, he wants to keep us in Iraq for 100 years, and do I really need to remind everyone of the flip-flop he did regarding Robertson?
This idea that McCain is some sort of "independent" or "maverick" or "libertarian" is nothing more than media spin. Don't fall for it. This is the man who, upon having been slimed by Bush in the most racist manner imaginable, turned right around and literally hugged him and threw his support behind him.
This is the man who, after having been tortured himself, caved into Bush's demand to be able to torture.
McCain is a conservative. His vote to raise the minimum wage does not change that.
Dobson is a jerk. Only loonytunes people give him any credence. If McCain is the Repub nominee they will fall in line and vote for him rather than support the ultimate Democrat anti-christ.
Great post! {stands and applaudes}
We need more, more, more. Every reporter and columnist worth their salt need to continue exposing these charlatans. And we need to end tax-exempted status for ALL religious institutions.
ALL OF THEM.
NOW.
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Posted February 6, 2008 | 10:27 PM (EST)